Mrs. Miller's Counseling News
Twin Oaks Elementary - Updated 11/01/21
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented effort!
Twin Oaks Families:
I know I'm not alone when I say that the world is experiencing extremely challenging times. Dare I say it? "Unprecedented Times!" Military coups, climate-change weather disasters, COVID 19 hospitalizations and deaths, political disagreements, the evils of social media . . . and that doesn't even include local stories of homelessness, accidents and crime. One report I heard last week, about a horrific child abuse case, nearly put me over the edge. How do we cope in the face of such discouraging, depressing and heart breaking news?
Of course there are no easy answers here, but one thing is clear. We can't give up! Unprecedented times call for unprecedented effort! Over the next few weeks, Twin Oaks will focus our school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) theme on KINDNESS. My message to the children is that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference. I tell them that they may not have the power to change the BIG world problems, but they most certainly can influence their family, friends, neighbors and classmates.
I challenge all of you to think about kindness in your own lives, to talk with your children about it, and to encourage their efforts by your example. I am a true believer in the concept that many small acts of kindness, multiplied exponentially, can and do create systemic change. I guess that's why I chose this job in the first place. Even if you are hesitant to jump on my band-wagon, I ask you to simply try it for yourself. The next time you're impatient in a line, or frustrated with a coworker, or angry at a family member, or exasperated with a Facebook post, choose kindness. See how it feels. . . then try it again the next time, and the next time and the next. As the song says, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of..."
Featured in this newsletter issue: Weekly Message, Parent/Guardian/Counselor School Conferences Information, Classroom Counseling Lesson Schedule, How to Access Mrs. Miller Online, Parenting and Community Resources.
REMEMBER, I'm available via email and office phone Monday-Friday. Don't hesitate to reach out to me with individual needs. I'm here to support you! My email is: miller_de@4j.lane.edu. My direct office phone is: 541-790-3442. If you need to reach me outside of business hours, feel free to text or call my Google Voice number at: 541-972-3347.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Miller